A South African rapper died over the weekend after a video emerged showing him collapsing on stage at a music festival.
The rapper, Costa Titch, whose real name is Constantinos Tsobanoglou, was 28 years old.
CNN reported that the musician was performing at Ultra South Africa on Saturday when the incident happened. No cause of death has been given.
“Death has tragically knocked at our door. Robbing us of our beloved son, brother and grandson, Constantinos Tsobanoglou (28), who South Africa had come to love and idolize under his stage name ‘Costa Titch’. It is with deep pain that we find ourselves having to acknowledge his passing at this time,” the musician’s family said in a statement. “We are thankful for the emergency responders and all those present in his last hours on this earth.”
“As a family we are faced with a difficult time as we try to make sense of what has befallen us and ask that we be afforded the time and space to gather ourselves,” the statement continued. “The Tsobanoglou family thanks you for the love and support you have given to our son and may you continue to uplift him even in spirit. Please keep us in your prayers and uplifted in the Lord.”
USA Today confirmed that videos circulating on social media did show the moment that the musician collapsed on stage.
This is how it happened. ????
Rest in peace Costa Titch.#RIPCostaTitch #CostaTitch pic.twitter.com/BTRm0Gy6JR
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) March 11, 2023
The musician had a successful career in dance before getting into music. His song “Big Flexa” was popular across the country and was a hit on TikTok, CNN added.
Ultra South Africa released a statement on Sunday: “We are devastated by the sudden loss of the beloved South African artist Costa Titch, who tragically passed away this weekend.”
“Costa was a galvanizing voice amongst South Africa’s amapiano scene – a talented rapper, dancer, songwriter, collaborator, and friend to the festival,” the statement said. “Our deepest thoughts and most sincere sympathies are with his family, friends, and our entire community who are together mourning this heartbreaking loss.”
— Ultra South Africa (@UltraSA) March 12, 2023